Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe

The Most Flavorful Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe

Spaghetti squash upgrades ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary adventure that promises both nutrition and satisfaction.

This vibrant, low-carb marvel brings together hearty protein and tender vegetables in a delightful Mediterranean-inspired fusion.

Wholesome chicken and verdant broccoli nestle perfectly within the golden, stringy strands of roasted squash.

Each forkful delivers a harmonious blend of textures that dance across your palate with remarkable lightness.

Clever home cooks appreciate how this dish reimagines classic comfort food through a healthier lens.

Protein-packed and wonderfully versatile, the recipe offers a smart alternative to traditional pasta preparations.

Rich in flavor and brimming with nutrients, this meal easily becomes a weeknight favorite for families seeking delicious yet balanced dining.

Ingredients to Prepare a Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Dinner

Main Ingredients:

Spaghetti Squash:- Spaghetti Squash: Sweet and mild vegetable with pasta-like strands, great low-carb alternative with tender, delicate texture.

Protein Base:- Chicken Breast: Lean protein source with mild flavor, best when fresh and trimmed of excess fat, provides hearty protein content.

Vegetable Components:- Broccoli Florets: Nutrient-dense green vegetable with crisp texture, select bright green and firm florets for best quality.

Dairy Components:

Cheese Varieties:- Cream Cheese, Greek Yogurt, Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy ingredients that add richness, tang, and melting properties to the dish, choose full-fat versions for maximum flavor.

Seasoning and Aromatics:

Flavor Enhancers:- Olive Oil: High-quality cooking oil with smooth flavor, use extra virgin for best taste.

Herb and Spice Blend:- Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Classic seasoning mix that adds depth and complexity, ensures balanced flavor profile.

Aromatic Base:- Shallots, Garlic: Foundational flavor ingredients that provide subtle sweetness and pungent notes, select fresh and firm bulbs.

Optional Garnish:- Fresh Parsley, Red Pepper Flakes: Bright finishing touches that add color and optional heat, enhance visual appeal and personalize flavor.

Cooking Steps for a Balanced and Wholesome Meal

Step 1: Prepare the Squash Base

Warm up your oven to 400°F. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper.

Wash the spaghetti squash thoroughly and pat dry.

Slice the squash lengthwise using a sharp knife, creating two long boats.

Remove the seeds with a spoon, creating a clean interior.

Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Place cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Roast for 45-60 minutes until fork-tender.

Let cool slightly, then use a fork to create spaghetti-like strands.

Step 2: Cook the Protein and Vegetable Blend

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add olive oil and chicken pieces.

Season the chicken with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Cook until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes.

Remove chicken and set aside.

In the same skillet, sauté minced shallots until soft.

Toss in garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for 30 seconds.

Add broccoli florets and a splash of water.

Cover and steam for 2 minutes.

Return chicken to the skillet and mix well.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Filling

In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth.

Fold in the chicken and broccoli mixture.

Stir in:
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Half the mozzarella cheese

Gently combine with spaghetti squash strands.

Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Squash

Divide the filling between squash boats.

Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.

Lower oven temperature to 350°F.

Cover with foil, creating a tent to prevent cheese from sticking.

Bake for 15 minutes.

Remove foil and bake an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese turns golden.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle with fresh parsley or red pepper flakes.

Serve immediately while warm and gooey.

Enjoy your delicious, veggie-packed meal!

Tips for Baking and Stuffing Spaghetti Squash Properly

  • Select the Right Squash: Choose a firm, heavy spaghetti squash with a deep yellow color for the best texture and flavor.
  • Prevent Soggy Filling: Pat the cooked chicken and broccoli dry before mixing to avoid excess moisture in the final dish.
  • Maximize Flavor Depth: Toast the Italian seasoning in the skillet for 15-20 seconds before adding other ingredients to enhance its aromatic profile.
  • Achieve Perfect Strands: Use a fork at a 45-degree angle when scraping squash flesh to create long, spaghetti-like strands without breaking them.
  • Cheese Melting Trick: Let the stuffed squash boats rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and become creamy instead of immediately running.

Saving and Reheating Chicken and Broccoli Squash Bowls

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover stuffed spaghetti squash in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
  • Reheating in Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, place squash boats on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Uncover for the last 5 minutes to restore cheese's crispy texture.
  • Microwave Option: For quick reheating, place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Stir midway to ensure even heating.

Ideal Sides for This Low-Carb Dinner Favorite

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy, cheesy chicken and broccoli filling, cutting through the richness while enhancing the dish's delicate flavors.
  • Serve with Zesty Citrus Salad: A light lemon-dressed mixed green salad with arugula and orange segments provides a bright, refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy spaghetti squash boats.
  • Match with Herbed Garlic Bread: Toasted artisan bread rubbed with garlic and sprinkled with fresh herbs creates a perfect crunchy side that soaks up the creamy sauce and adds textural excitement to the meal.
  • Cool Down with Sparkling Water: A crisp, bubbling sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime cleanses the palate between bites and helps balance the dish's creamy, savory profile.

Flavorful Add-Ins to Make This Dish Even More Exciting

  • Mediterranean Herb Blast: Swap Italian seasoning for fresh oregano, thyme, and basil. Replace Parmesan with crumbled feta cheese and add sun-dried tomatoes for a vibrant Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced green chiles, cumin, and chili powder into the chicken mixture. Top with pepper jack cheese and garnish with fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern kick.
  • Creamy Pesto Fusion: Mix in homemade or store-bought basil pesto with the cream cheese. Use rotisserie chicken for extra convenience and sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for added crunch and nutty complexity.
  • Low-Carb Keto Option: Substitute Greek yogurt with full-fat sour cream and add extra sharp cheddar cheese. Include crispy bacon bits for additional richness and protein while maintaining a keto-friendly approach.

Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Spaghetti Squash That’s Filling and Fresh

  • Boost Health Smartly: This recipe transforms spaghetti squash into a nutritious powerhouse, packed with lean protein from chicken and fiber-rich broccoli, offering a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta dishes.
  • Conquer Flavor Complexity: Layered seasonings like Italian herbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese create a rich, satisfying taste profile that elevates the simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal.
  • Simplify Cooking Techniques: The one-pan method and straightforward preparation make this dish accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, reducing kitchen stress while delivering impressive results with minimal cleanup.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredients allow quick substitutions like swapping chicken for turkey or adding different vegetables, making this recipe adaptable to personal preferences and dietary needs.
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Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe

Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe


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4.7 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty chicken and broccoli stuffed spaghetti squash brings Mediterranean comfort to your dinner table. Mediterranean flavors blend seamlessly with wholesome ingredients, creating a nutritious meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 2 large chicken breasts (chopped into bite-sized pieces)

Main Vegetables:

  • 1 large spaghetti squash
  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 shallots (minced)
  • 6 cloves garlic (minced)

Dairy and Seasonings:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 4 tablespoons cream cheese (room temperature)
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
  • 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400°F and arranging a parchment-lined baking sheet for the spaghetti squash roasting.
  2. Carefully split the spaghetti squash lengthwise using a sharp knife, ensuring a clean cut from stem to end. Remove the inner seeds with a spoon.
  3. Massage olive oil across the squash’s interior surface, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Position the halves cut-side down on the prepared sheet.
  4. Roast the squash for approximately 45-60 minutes until fork-tender, allowing the vegetable to develop a soft, stringy texture.
  5. After cooling slightly, use a fork to gently separate the squash flesh into delicate, spaghetti-like strands. Reserve these strands for later assembly.
  6. Lower the oven temperature to 350°F in preparation for the final baking stage.
  7. In a skillet, sear the chicken pieces over medium-high heat until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, seasoning with salt and pepper during the process.
  8. Create an aromatic base by sautéing shallots and garlic, introducing Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor profile.
  9. Add broccoli florets to the skillet, steaming briefly to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture. Incorporate the cooked chicken into this vegetable mixture.
  10. Blend cream cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth, creating a creamy foundation for the filling.
  11. Fold the chicken-broccoli mixture into the creamy base, integrating Parmesan and half the mozzarella cheese.
  12. Gently combine the seasoned filling with the prepared spaghetti squash strands, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
  13. Carefully fill each squash half with the mixed ingredients, topping with remaining mozzarella cheese.
  14. Tent the filled squash with foil to prevent direct cheese contact, then bake for 15 minutes.
  15. Uncover and continue baking until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
  16. Finish the dish with optional fresh parsley or red pepper flakes for added visual appeal and flavor complexity. Serve immediately while warm and inviting.

Notes

  • Prepare spaghetti squash ahead of time to save cooking time and make meal prep smoother.
  • Use a sharp chef’s knife carefully when cutting the squash to prevent slipping and ensure even halves.
  • Choose fresh broccoli florets for maximum crunch and nutritional value in the dish.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior during cooking.
  • Opt for full-fat Greek yogurt and cream cheese for richer, creamier texture and enhanced flavor profile.
  • Tent foil loosely when baking to prevent cheese from sticking and ensure even melting without burning.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 470
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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